>> reporter: diane, this is an acknowledgement that what the u.s. has been doing so far has not worked. and it is clear from phone calls i've been making to officials up until just a few moments ago, that the administration is now ready to do more to pressure the assad regime. it would be the first time the u.s. has given aid to the military side of the opposition forces. i'm told it could be anything from communications gear to medical supplies to body armor to armored vehicles. even if it is just communications here or medical supplies, that would be a significant shift for the u.s. and could be a big boost to these opposition groups. it is expected that the new secretary of state, john kerry, will announce this tomorrow in rome as part of his first overseas trip, diane. >> and what about weapons, martha? are they still on the table? >> reporter: well, there won't be weapons. syria is awash in weapons already. and the u.s. has always been wary of giving weapons for fear they would end up in the wrong hands. the rebels we and others are dealing wit